Ring a Bell - Prologue

 

Eichi: Hello there, Anzu-chan.

Oh, there’s no need to fret. It’s still well before the appointed time.

I simply arrived here earlier than planned due to my previous job getting called off. 

Good grief… It was unavoidable, but I do wish they’d sort out their scheduling a little more. Those who work in this industry…

Truly don’t have time to waste on sudden cancellations.

In the previous era, I’m sure things could have been settled easily — water under the bridge. But things are different now; we live in the age of expediency and accuracy. Wouldn’t you agree, Anzu-chan?

Oh, pardon me. It’s not exactly an easy question to answer.

Perhaps my influx in work has worn my patience down. I didn’t mean to start complaining.

On that note, shall we begin discussing the issue at hand?

I can’t exactly waste your time after waxing poetic on how precious of a resource it is.

Regarding your request… To sum it up, ES has made the decision that we won’t be able to accept it.

Ah, you look rather dejected. Truthfully, I’d rather support you, but it’d be no easy task to go against what ES as a whole has decided.

At least allow me to reassure you that this decision was made with your best interests in mind.

Hm? You wish to know why your proposal was rejected?

You’re terribly overworked at the moment, aren’t you? If you were to add yet another iron to the fire, I find it difficult to imagine that you’d be able to properly fulfill all your existing commitments. 

This isn’t a matter of how capable you are, it’s simply a realistic consideration of how much time you have. I doubt you’d be able to finish all your tasks to a satisfying standard. And, if that were to happen, you’d suffer the most from it.

Yes, I had a feeling that you’d insist you’d be alright. But I’m afraid that the risks of this decision won’t disappear with a mere word or two.

I do hate to disappoint you, but we had to choose the less hazardous option.

This is just my personal opinion, but I’d like to remind you that there’s no need to do everything all at once.

I’m certain that there will be plenty more chances in the future; a more opportune time is sure to come.

Hm… I see. There’s a reason that you wish to do this now.

Nevertheless, ES’s decision can’t be overruled so easily. 

Your only option is to come up with a solution that will allow you to convince the executives whilst ensuring the rest of your work is properly carried out.

If you do so, it’s possible that things will take a turn for the better.

Oh, there’s no need to thank me.

You’ve supported me so faithfully ever since my days at Yumenosaki; it vexes me that I’m unable to grant your wishes.

Yes, exactly. Please think it over again.

If you do manage to win us over… I promise that I’ll offer you my assistance. And I say that not in the way that children do when they play around, but as a verbal contract.

Fufu. I see that you’ve been filled with a sudden burst of motivation.

I can’t say that I understand why you’re so insistent on doing this now, but if that’s what you desire, I’ll do my best to support your efforts.

Ah, that’s right — it’s about time for you to go. I believe you have a TV show recording to oversee, correct?

The organizers of that program are rather fastidious about punctuality, so it’d be best for you to leave a little early.

See you soon, Anzu-chan.

…Hm. I hadn’t realized that she was so serious about this. Judging from her reaction, it’s likely that she’ll try again.

Goodness. I simply can’t fathom why women are so drawn to the idea of marriage.